Critical Condition: Berlin Station

Berlin Station | SoHo, 8.30 Friday

➢ “Berlin Station is a little talky, maybe a little over-plotted and populated — though a lot of 10-episode serials feel that way in the early going. But, on the evidence of its first four episodes, it keeps you interested in the central question of who’s leaking information about the inner workings of the CIA’s Berlin office … It’s the TV show as page-turner, if you have room on your night stand.” — New York Times.

➢ “The show doesn’t reinvent the spy drama for the modern era, nor does it rise to the level of some of the most captivating secret-agent thrillers of recent years. But Berlin Station, a contemporary serial set among CIA and German operatives in that European city, is a credible option for those who enjoy Homeland, and appreciate its character-driven moments enough to patiently ride out the inconsistencies of the Showtime drama’s most recent seasons.” — Variety.

➢ “Berlin Station is a tense, terse thriller — good-looking but never fussy, balancing character and plot in satisfying proportions, a new suit cut to classic lines.” — Los Angeles Times.

➢ “Berlin Station benefits from being shot in Germany so that it can at least stick out visually — and director Michael R Roskam (The Drop, Bullhead) does an excellent job of keeping you visually entertained. But this is a spy series looking for someone or something to make you care.” — The Hollywood Reporter.

➢ “One of the reasons it’s difficult to keep up is that Berlin Station is boring, as is its central character. As the spy we’re supposed to be rooting for, [Richard] Armitage might as well be a cardboard cutout.” — The Washington Post.